Chandler: Support For Washington Food Policy Forum Grows

A public-private partnership established to promote the state’s local food system continues to grow in popularity.  Washington state Representative Bruce Chandler says the Food Policy Forum was established not only to increase the availability of locally grown foods, but also help smaller farmers find viable business plans to keep their land rural.

“Things like direct marketing and ways for small scale specialty crops to be advertised and to connect with consumers.”

Chandler said through House Bill 1731, the state can continue to expand the Forum to include research at Washington State University.  He added organizers have done a good job ensuring financial footing and growing popularity around the state.

“It’s also connect suburban consumers with rural food producers.  And I think that’s one of the more valuable parts.”

If approved, HB 1731 would require the Forum commission and the state department of Agriculture to work to provide staff, and recommendations of the program moving forward by October 2020.  The Food Forum has the backing of the Washington Food Industry Association and the Farm Bureau, due mainly for efforts to educate the next generation of farmers.

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